Pretribulation Dispensationalists, who believe that the rapture will occur before the tribulation begins, are likely to be highly resistant to any interpretation that suggests the events described in Revelation, such as the appearance of the four horsemen or other apocalyptic signs, could be happening in the present or have already occurred. Their theological framework posits that the Church will be taken up to heaven before these tribulations start, so any claim that these events are already unfolding would conflict with their eschatological expectations.
Potential Effects When More Terrible Events Appear to Be Coming
Dismissal of Warnings: As more severe events occur, Pretribulation Dispensationalists might initially dismiss them as unrelated to the events described in Revelation. Since they believe the Church will not be present during the tribulation, they may resist acknowledging that these events are signs of the End Times. This could lead to a refusal to engage in or endorse any widespread call for repentance or prayer, such as that described in the Book of Joel.
Conflict with Other Christian Groups: There could be increased tension between Pretribulation Dispensationalists and other Christian groups that interpret the events differently. For instance, those who believe in a post-tribulation or amillennial view might see these events as a fulfillment of prophecy and urge immediate action, while Pretribulationists could see this as misleading or alarmist.
Delayed Spiritual Response: The insistence on the rapture occurring before any tribulation could delay the spiritual response of those who hold this view. If signs like the sun turning black or other cosmic disturbances (as prophesied by Joel and later in Revelation) were to appear, these believers might not take the necessary steps to prepare spiritually or encourage others to do so because they would be expecting the rapture to occur first.
Confusion and Disillusionment: If apocalyptic events began to occur without a preceding rapture, it could lead to confusion or disillusionment among Pretribulation Dispensationalists. Their expectations would be fundamentally challenged, potentially shaking their faith or leading to a crisis of belief. This might result in a variety of responses, from doubling down on their original interpretations to reevaluating their theological positions.
Opposition to Warning People to Pray
Given their belief that the Church will not face the tribulation, Pretribulation Dispensationalists might oppose calls to pray specifically in response to apocalyptic signs. The prophet Joel's call to prayer and repentance in the face of cosmic disturbances is rooted in the belief that these signs are meant to prompt people to return to God. However, if Pretribulationists believe these events cannot occur until after the rapture, they might view such calls as premature or irrelevant to their situation.
In summary, Pretribulation Dispensationalists may resist interpreting any current or near-future events as signs of the End Times if they believe the rapture has not yet occurred. This could lead to significant opposition to warnings or calls for prayer and repentance, especially if such warnings are linked to specific eschatological interpretations that do not align with their own. This theological stance could result in a delayed or muted response to apocalyptic events, potentially leaving these believers unprepared for what they might face if their expectations are not met.
